Militants Launch Devastating Attack in Nigeria's Benue State, Killing Over 100
Nigeria Attack: A brutal attack in Nigeria's central Benue State has claimed the lives of numerous innocent people. The barbaric assault, which lasted from late Friday night into Saturday morning in the village of Yelwata, resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 individuals. Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed this horrific event, stating that the attackers locked people in rooms and burned them alive, while others were shot. Dozens are seriously injured, and many remain missing.
The Unending Cycle of Killings
Amnesty International reports that such attacks are escalating in Benue State, with gunmen appearing increasingly emboldened. The law and order situation in this region of Nigeria has become extremely concerning. The organization stated that this violence has forced a large-scale displacement of villagers, leaving those who remain behind feeling extremely vulnerable.
Farmers Targeted
A significant number of the victims are farmers. Amnesty states that these attacks are not only a humanitarian tragedy but also impact the nation's food security. Benue State is considered Nigeria's 'food basket,' but ongoing violence and displacement are affecting agricultural production. This raises concerns about food shortages in other parts of the country.
Longstanding Conflict Between Herders and Farmers
Benue State is located in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, where the predominantly Muslim north meets the predominantly Christian south. A long-standing tension exists between herders and farmers over land and resources. Herders seek grazing land for their cattle, while farmers require land for cultivation. This conflict frequently erupts into deadly clashes.
A Background of Ethnic and Religious Tensions
The roots of this conflict are not solely economic; deep-seated ethnic and religious differences are also involved. Herders are generally associated with the Fulani Muslim community, while most farmers are Christian. This lends a religious dimension to the conflict, making the situation even more volatile.
Shadow of Past Attacks
Last month, suspected herders attacked Guma West district, killing 42 people. According to SBM Intelligence, a research organization, over 500 people have died and nearly 2.2 million have been displaced due to such violent incidents since 2019. These figures highlight the terrifying scale of this ongoing 'internal war' within the country.
